Flight Crew Kicks Women Off Plane For Wearing Crop Tops
Two women speak out after being kicked off a flight over their crop tops.
Airline dress codes have long been discussed, balancing the need to maintain a comfortable environment for all passengers with respect for individual fashion choices. An incident involving Spirit Airlines has recently reignited this debate, highlighting the challenges and potential conflicts arising from such policies.
On Friday, October 4, two women, Teresa Araujo and Tara Kehidi, were at the center of a controversy when they were removed from a Spirit Airlines flight. The pair, traveling from Los Angeles to New Orleans to celebrate Kehidi's birthday, wore crop tops, jeans, and jumpers.
According to Araujo, a Portuguese native, a male flight attendant confronted them immediately after boarding. He requested that they cover their chests with sweaters, citing a dress code violation.
The situation quickly escalated during the three-hour-and-forty-minute flight. Araujo recounted that the flight attendant, “Jay,” became increasingly aggressive when the women refused to comply with the request. Despite support from other passengers, including a CNN reporter and a man who recorded the incident, Jay insisted that Araujo and Kehidi leave the plane.
Araujo described intense nervousness and physical discomfort, which led her to remove her sweater momentarily. This action prompted Jay to order their removal, stating,
“As soon as he saw my bare shoulders, he said, ‘That’s it, you guys leave, now.'” said Araujo.
Two women are raising concerns after being removed from their flight because of what they were wearing.
TikTokThe incident gained widespread attention after Araujo shared a series of TikTok videos that went viral over the following days. These videos resonated with many viewers who felt that the women were unjustly discriminated against based on their attire.
In response to the growing backlash, Spirit Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the situation and announcing that they were conducting an investigation. The airline referenced its Contract of Carriage, which allows it to deny boarding or remove passengers if their clothing is deemed “lewd, obscene, or offensive.”
Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading self-compassion researcher, points out that personal expression through clothing is a form of self-identity. Her research indicates that when individuals are judged for their choices, it can lead to feelings of shame and decreased self-worth. In situations like the Spirit Airlines incident, fostering self-compassion among both airline staff and passengers could improve interactions.
One practical approach suggested by Neff is to implement training for airline personnel on empathy and understanding. This could help staff navigate dress code enforcement more compassionately while maintaining a welcoming environment for all travelers.
"October of 2024 in USA, the land of freedom, and we got kicked out of Spirit Airlines plane for wearing crop tops! I can’t stop crying. Blow this up 😭 "
In the aftermath of the removal, Tara Kehidi revealed that they had to purchase new tickets costing $1,000 to return to Los Angeles. However, in a follow-up video uploaded on October 8, Araujo mentioned that Spirit Airlines provided them with free tickets back to New Orleans.
Despite this assistance, the emotional trauma from the initial incident lingered. Araujo feared encountering the same treatment on their return flight, only to be greeted differently. A different steward addressed their previous experience, assuring them that Spirit Airlines “does things differently in New Orleans.”
Spirit Airlines has not directly apologized to Araujo but has offered free tickets for a return trip to New Orleans.
TikTokInterestingly, during the return flight, neither Araujo nor Kehidi were asked to alter their attire or leave the plane, even though they wore the same clothes. This inconsistency led Araujo to believe that the initial removal resulted from Jay’s personal bias rather than company policy.
She noted that Spirit Airlines has yet to formally apologize for the incident. However, she pointed out that the treatment they received on the return flight and their seating in the first row suggested that the airline recognized the wrongdoing in their initial encounter.
Spirit Airlines did not address their dress code policy, even though the couple wore the same matching crop tops.
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Fashion vs. Policy: An Ongoing Debate
Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a prominent emotion researcher, emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional impact of dress codes on individuals. Her work highlights how clothing choices can evoke feelings of empowerment or suppression, particularly in women. In this incident, the removal of women for wearing crop tops may reflect broader societal issues regarding body image and autonomy.
Barrett suggests that airlines should consider fostering an inclusive environment that respects personal expression while also educating staff on emotional sensitivity. This dual approach could prevent misunderstandings and promote a more respectful atmosphere for all passengers.
A different steward greeted them and acknowledged the earlier issue, mentioning that things are handled differently in New Orleans.
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"Some people got kicked out with us because they stood up for us."
Teresa Araujo and her friend Tara Kehidi.
“Spirit Airlines hasn’t apologized for what happened. But the way the new flight attendant treated us and the fact they gave us seats in the first row leads me to believe they are aware that what they did was wrong,” Teresa Araujo explained.
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The incident has sparked significant discussion about dress codes in the airline industry and the tricky balance between keeping passengers comfortable and allowing personal expression.
As Spirit Airlines investigates, many are eager to see a detailed response that addresses the issues raised by Araujo and Kehidi’s experience.
This situation has prompted people to rethink how dress codes affect airline staff and travelers.
The incident involving Spirit Airlines reflects a growing tension between dress codes and personal expression in public spaces. As noted by experts like Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett and Dr. Kristin Neff, the emotional ramifications of such policies can lead to feelings of shame and exclusion. To create a more inclusive environment, airlines should consider implementing staff training focused on empathy and understanding. Self-compassion practices can encourage both employees and passengers to engage in more respectful dialogue, ultimately enhancing the flying experience for everyone. Embracing individual expression while ensuring comfort for all is essential in today’s diverse society.
